RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Prognosis of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
JF Thorax
JO Thorax
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Thoracic Society
SP 349
OP 355
DO 10.1136/thx.38.5.349
VO 38
IS 5
A1 P Tukiainen
A1 E Taskinen
A1 P Holsti
A1 O Korhola
A1 M Valle
YR 1983
UL http://thorax.bmj.com/content/38/5/349.abstract
AB We have analysed retrospectively 100 consecutive patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, who were treated with corticosteroids and followed for at least three years. At the time of diagnosis biopsy specimens were available in 64 cases. The clinical, radiographic, physiological, and histological features and the response to steroid treatment have been correlated with the prognosis. An early objective functional improvement was observed in 30%. Analysis of the survival data (life table and log rank test) showed a longer survival in younger patients and in patients with a shorter duration of symptoms before presentation, less radiographic abnormality, and less impairment of diffusing capacity, but not clearly in patients with more cellular histological appearances. The most favourable prognostic sign seemed to be an early response to steroid treatment.